A good estate plan does not just happen. You must plan for it. The Internet and its faceless legal advisors looking to take your money and provide you with a form that is not tailored to you, your needs and your desires are a waste of money and will unfortunately not often accomplish all that you may hope. Chuck will sit down and discuss your unique situation and create a customized plan that will accomplish your desires for your estate. Chuck will also explain the plan to you and answer your questions, so that you have peace of mind in understanding your customized plan.

If you have incurred the unfortunate circumstances of the loss of a relative or loved one and need to navigate the legal procedures necessary to appropriately resolve your loved one’s estate, an experienced attorney plays a pivotal role in expeditiously and appropriately dealing with the many issues involved in administering an estate. Chuck will give you and your family the attention you need to answer your questions and work with you to bring the matter to an appropriate closure.

Real estate transactions are complex. Whether selling, buying, or distributing your real estate as part of an estate plan, when dealing with real estate, utilizing an attorney is an absolute necessity. Prior to being elected as Woodford County State’s Attorney, Chuck provided legal services in regard to real estate for residential sellers and buyers, commercial developers, and subdivision developers. A great deal of difficulty is avoided by utilizing an attorney to assist you in whatever real estate matter lies before you. When it comes to real estate, whether selling, buying, developing, or leasing, Chuck can assist you in protecting your interests and in making sure you are fully informed in making your decisions on such a significant transaction.

For many people, one of the most significant investments they will ever make is the purchase of a home. Whether it is a first home, a larger home, or a downsized home, home is a special place. It is often a retreat where we seek to unwind from the stresses of the day. Yet many people will choose to risk that significant investment and the peaceful enjoyment of their home by choosing to represent themselves when they purchase their home. Please know - the attorney for the seller does not represent the buyer. Without an attorney, no one with the actual knowledge and expertise of an attorney is on the buyer’s team. How a buyer takes title matters. Restrictive covenants matter. Zoning restrictions matter. Encumbrances on title matter. All of these issues and many more, threaten the buyer’s peaceful enjoyment of their home. Gain peace of mind and limit the risks on such a significant investment, contact Chuck when buying real estate.

Facing the nearly unlimited resources of the State without an experienced advocate at your side can be a scary proposition. Whether something as common as a speeding ticket or more serious charges involving driving under the influence, misdemeanors, and felonies, any charge against you is significant. All charges can potentially significantly impact your future in many different ways. As an experienced legal advocate, Chuck will analyze the facts and the law and work with you so that you can choose the best option for your case.  Whatever option you choose, Chuck will stand by your side and advocate for your best outcome.

If there is anything more daunting than you facing the unlimited resources of the State, it is your child facing them. Juvenile court is a unique setting. Few attorneys have much experience in this arena. Chuck has been involved in juvenile delinquency law for over 30 years. Chuck will work with the minor and, when appropriate, the family to pursue the best outcome for the young person and minimize the long-term impact on your child’s life.  He understands the unique nature of juvenile cases and will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome—one that safeguards your child's rights, education, and future opportunities. When the future of a child is at stake, experience matters.

If you, as a parent, are facing accusations of neglecting or abusing your child, you need an experienced attorney and you need to deal with the situation without delay. Your future rights to your child could be at significant risk. Very few attorneys practice law in this area. When the future of your child and your relationship with your child is at risk, a uniquely experienced attorney to guide you can make a world of difference. Chuck has handled all facets of juvenile abuse and neglect cases. He will bring that experience to work for you to deal with the accusations, to guide you through what can be a lengthy and difficult process, and to zealously pursue the restoration of all of your parental rights.

Whether a senior citizen having difficulty managing their affairs, an emerging adult with intellectual challenges, or a child without an immediately available parent, sometimes a guardianship is necessary to assist and protect the child or the potentially disabled adult. There are strict legal requirements for the granting of a guardianship. Without experienced legal counsel, navigating those requirements can be exceptionally difficult. Chuck has a great deal of experience in this area and can assist you in the many issues each unique situation presents.

Sometimes going to court is not the best alternative to a legal dispute. Pursuing issues in court can prove destructive to future relationships and to the expeditious resolution of the dispute. As a judge for nearly 24 years, Chuck was at the center of innumerable legal disputes whether involving business issues, family law issues, personal injury cases, or other legal claims. As a judge and with the mutual consent of the parties, Chuck often assisted the parties by mediating an agreed resolution to a dispute. This often resolved an issue quickly and without any further damage to the parties’ relationship. Arbitration is another form of alternative dispute resolution in which the arbitrator listens to the evidence and considers the applicable law and gives a ruling much like a judge would do in court. Arbitration also can resolve issues more quickly with less disruption to the parties’ relationship than may take place by pursuing the matter in court. With over 35 years of experience as an attorney and extensive experience as a judge, Chuck is particularly well suited to assist you in resolving your legal disputes without court litigation.

Chuck wants to assist you with all of your legal issues. However, it is not possible for any attorney to meet the rigorous demands of all areas of the law. That does not mean Chuck cannot be of assistance. Given Chuck’s extensive experience, there are few areas of the law with which he has not had involvement. He can use that experience to explain at least some of the issues of your situation and guide you to a specialist. Many attorneys specialize in certain areas of the law. Chuck has a network of experienced attorneys that will focus on your best interests. Chuck can remain involved to assist you in understanding the developments or can simply connect you with an attorney best situated to serve you and to pursue your best outcome. Chuck’s goal is to deliver solutions that leave you in a better situation than before you came to see him. So even if your issue does not fit neatly in the legal areas discussed above, Chuck can still be of assistance and guide you to a greater peace of mind.